OFFICIAL WOMEN'S CHALLENGE: Monthly Progress Pic Thread - MONTH 4 PICS and STATS

[RedWifey]

So, I am taking it that we can still be friends!?

[Silly Sally]

You all crack me up!

Please, til there's a real reason not to post photos, let's keep posting them and to heell with anyone who thinks we're exhibitionists or seeking something other than what we provide each other: accountability, honesty and empathy.

I'm not in your challenge, but will post my photos in my own log, as it DOES keep me accountable, at the least, to myself. And I could not agree more with what everyone has said about the level of kindness, commiseration and empathy. This is BY FAR the best fitness site I've found - because of the outstanding character of you gals who share your journies - and I appreciate the knowledge and comraderie I'm finding here more every day.

This is a long process. And I'm glad you, and your stories, make it easier!

I just realized today that I've only been doing this for a little over 2 months; standing back from that... it's just a trifle, a miniscule amount of time. The fact that I'm not seeing what I'd like to in the mirror should be no shocker!

The fact is I do feel like I'm on a long, but very brightly lit path, thanks to you guys.

Geez, I'm a long-winded biotch sometimes. Sorry. But, yeah.

[fengshway]

I think I am going to continue to post monthly photos and measurements in my log even when the challenge is over. I also like posting my running improvements too. of course I love what weights are doing for my physique, but I love what they do for my performance more.

there is something about the support and accountability here that helps me. there is so much technical knowlege on this board. so many experienced lifters and fitness professionals.

I never really felt connected to previous challenges, like body for life, because the transformations were just so dramatic. and every time I have tried to cut my calories a lot so that I have dramatic weight loss, it backfires horribly.

I have received consistent support and lots of positive feedback from the women here, even though my changes are small.

The mental change that has happened to me over these 4 months is incredible--I can't tell you how much more confident I am in my body these days--I like my body more at 44 than I did at 24!

[GinnyLou]

Originally Posted by RedWifey

So, I am taking it that we can still be friends!?

Of course!

[Karen411]

Well, I haven't been here in a few days, but in my defense of agreeing with Jamie on the "half naked" photos, I have to say that is my own "issues," too. But, I don't like pics of myself in general and haven't for probably the last 25 years .

Ginger, you're right that I need someone else to point out the changes in my progress pics. Otherwise, I doubt that I'd see any progress in looking at the month to month photos. (I can see changes in the mirror, both clothed and naked from the shower, but for some reason, pictures are a real challenge for me .)

[Bytsi]

Originally Posted by bacardio

I am also concerned with the Asian population recognizing me from my pictures and rushing up and rubbing my tummy for good luck.

That happens to you too?!?

Seriously, one of the hardest things I've ever done was post my pics... my DH and kids haven't seen 'em (thus the awkard poses as I shot my own pics in the mirror)... and now I haven't even managed to post my progress pics out of fear that there's no progress (I know, I know...).

If I let myself think about the lurkers who laugh at my pics, I'll die... so I just focus on the supportive amazing women (and men) here who turn away before they laugh at me so I don't hear them

[gardengirl447]

Without the progress photos I would not be able to see how dramatic the changes I am making show nor would I be able to push myself that much harder at the gym and throw in extra workouts.

We ourselves know how hard we push in our workouts and only we know how much more we can give. So when I see my pics I think hmm I had a little more to give, so I dont fear pushing it that much harder at the gym. I know it will show in my photos and the progression of weights I am lifting.

Yet I do fear the occasional smirk at the gym from some of the guys - I always think are they laughing at me? gawd...most days my strong woman comes out on my shoulder and yells in my ear "who the F cares ya big B move it! Push that weight move move move!!!" Plus I think of all of you here on the board and all the encouraging words we have given each other.